Opposite Saint-Malo, on the Rance estuary, nestles a pretty little town. Dinard is one of the jewels in the crown of northern Brittany, to be discovered without moderation. Stroll along the Emerald Coast and admire the superb Belle Époque villas, vestiges of the aristocratic tourism of the early 20th century. In summer, this lively seaside resort retains its old-fashioned charm, enhanced by an incredibly beautiful natural environment. Let us guide you through our top 13 things to do in Dinard for a weekend or a week's vacation.
1. Belle Époque villas, an enchanting stroll in Dinard
The seaside bathing craze was launched in the early 1900s! Before the First World War, Dinard was even Europe's leading seaside resort, welcoming so many beautiful people to its beaches. To accommodate them all, beautiful English-inspired houses were built: the Belle Époque Villas.
The most famous of these is the listed villa Les Roches Brunes, located at the tip of the Malouine headland. Overlooking the bay, it is open to visitors, who can enjoy the view and the various exhibitions that are held there.
Did you know? Dinard boasts no fewer than 407 listed villas. What better way to discover them!
2. The Clair de Lune promenade, the charm of the Emerald Coast
Dinard is one of the best places to retire in France, not least because of the beautiful, easy walks that can be enjoyed everywhere. One of these is the Clair de Lune promenade, a must-do in Dinard. Running along the bay, it stretches from the Pointe du Moulinet to the Plage du Prieuré. Admire the superb panorama as you wind your way past Belle Époque villas and neo-classical hotels, taking in the charm of the Quai de la Perle palm grove along the way. This stroll, beloved by Dinard locals, invites you to let go, to marvel and to escape.
3. Dinard's beautiful beaches
Spread over 9 km, Dinard's four beaches invite locals and visitors alike to relax on the edge of the Emerald Coast. A must in Dinard, the Plage de L'Écluseone of Brittany's 15 most beautiful beaches, is the town's best-known feature. Recognizable by its pretty little striped tents offering a little shade in summer, it's close to all amenities. Small shops, cafés and a merry-go-round line the beach, making it ideal for families!
If you're looking for peace and quiet, we recommend Plage de Port-Blanc, a wilder beach bordering the town of Saint-Lunaire. Ideally located, Plage du Prieuré offers a beautiful view of Saint-Malo, while being close to the Clair de Lune promenade. Finally, Plage Saint-Enogat, lined with Belle Époque villas, invites you to discover a place steeped in legend nearby: the Grotte de la Goule aux Fées. Tempted?
4. Admire the pretty little Anglican church of Saint Bartholomew
With its L-shape and arched stained-glass windows, the little Anglican church of Saint Bartholomew is a sight to behold! Located in the heart of Dinard, this little haven of peace is surrounded by a pretty garden. Owned by the Friends of Saint Bartholomew, it was built in 1870 by William Faber, despite opposition from the Bishop of London. The only active Anglican church in the region, it is built in an absolutely charming Anglo-Norman ogival style, with its exposed medieval framework, 19th-century wooden pews and pulpits and embroidered cushions.
5. A boat trip off Dinard
From Dinard, a number of boat excursions await you. One of the nicest is a shuttle service that takes you to Saint-Malo via the Emerald Coast in less than 10 minutes. As well as offering you a little stroll on the sea, this outing has the big advantage... of sparing you the hassle of parking in Saint-Malo (trust us, it's a real problem, and one that all summer visitors face)!
Book a cruise from Saint-Malo on the Emerald Coast
Looking for a longer cruise? Book an excursion to the "Baie du Corsaire", or explore the Chausey Islands, the port of Dinan or Cancale. If you have the chance to stop off, or come back later, check out our 13 must-do things to do in Cancale!
6. The seawater pool, an unusual way to swim
Plage de l'Écluse has yet to reveal all its secrets! It's home to a seawater pool located at the foot of the Pointe du Moulinet. Here you can enjoy a saltwater swim without having to walk far, even at low tide. Ideal for children. So you can enjoy the great outdoors in a family-friendly atmosphere, while bathing in a safe environment.
7. Discover Dinard's surroundings on the cycle route
There are many ways to discover the Emerald Coast, but one of the most enjoyable is undoubtedly by bike. From Dinard to Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, explore the region on the cycle route. There are two 65 km itineraries, as well asa 7 km "voie verte" linking Dinard to Pleurtuit. Your excursion will take you through an exceptional natural and architectural heritage, from charming fishing villages to superb landscapes.
Do you like cycling? Discover the top 10 most beautiful bike rides to do in Brittany during your vacations.
8. Relaxing in Port-Breton park
Opposite Plage du Prieuré, at the entrance to Dinard, lies a lovely green space, the Parc de Port-Breton, which is also home to animals. Let your bucolic stroll take you to the magnificent rose garden, discovering some 2,500 species of trees along the way. Children's games and a pond punctuate this pleasant outing in Dinard.
Unusual: Take a close look at the trees, which take on a Celtic symbolism thanks to the astrological signs inscribed on them. The character of each sign is revealed according to the date of birth!
9. Admire the Alfred Hitchcock statue
Prejudice be damned! No, Alfred Hitchcock never lived in Dinard, and apparently never shot a film there! The presence of his statue is explained by the simple fact that he is the symbol of British film, honored every year at Dinard.
Dominating the main entrance to Plage de l'Écluse, the statue of Alfred Hitchcock was inaugurated in 2009 as a tribute to this famous festival, about which more later. Standing 2.70 metres high, it depicts the famous director surrounded by two birds, a vibrant reminder of some of his best-known films.
10. Stroll through Dinard market
Let's face it: markets are a great place to stroll during the vacations! In Dinard, the Esplanade des Halles is home to one of the largest markets in the region, open all year round. Nearly 300 traders gather on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. The halles, meanwhile, are open every morning from 7:30am, welcoming 18 merchants, except on Mondays out of season.
You can also stroll through the Saint-Énogat summer market, located on Place du Calvaire. It comes to life every Wednesday morning in July and August. Food, crafts, knick-knacks and artists are there to delight you!
11. Try your hand at shore fishing in Dinard
Recreational fishing is a veritable institution in Brittany, and Dinard is no exception. The activity attracts more than 500,000 enthusiasts every year to Brittany's 2,470 km of coastline. At low tide, explore the foreshore in search of clams, cockles and razor clams. Whether accompanied by a guide or on your own, you'll need good rain boots, a bucket, a landing net and a hoe. And off you go to the local rocks and beaches! An ideal family activity, it allows you to discover biodiversity while teaching your children good gardening practices. In short, what more could you ask for? Enjoy the fresh Breton iodine air, while feasting on the catch of the day?
Good to know: please note that shore fishing is governed by strict regulations. Find out more!
12. Take part in the British and Irish Film Festival
In 2024, the British and Irish Film Festival is already celebrating its 35th anniversary! Founded in 1989, it is a yearly celebration of independent cinema from across the Channel, attracting film buffs and lovers of the UK alike. The prize: a Golden Hitchcock for the winner! The festival, which welcomes a host of celebrities, brings the city to life in late September/early October, to the rhythm of British cinema. Fans enjoy a week of screenings of auteur films and shorts, in an enchanting seaside setting.
If you're a fan of festivities, we also invite you to discover Brittany's 10 not-to-be-missed music festivals, so you can party all year round!
13. Taste Breton specialties
Do you think oysters, crêpes bretonnes and kouign-amann when you think of the rich cuisine of Brittany? Of course, but rest assured, it doesn't stop there! Bouchot mussels and scallops can also be cooked in many different ways, delighting the taste buds of seafood lovers. Next up is an original conger stew cooked in white wine. Conger à la dinardaise is cooked with cider: a must! Roast pork and chicken are also cooked with cider, for a dish with 100% local flavor. Finish with a far breton and some galettes bretonnes with coffee, and you're done!
Where to stay in Dinard?
Families with children will appreciate the town center, close to all amenities and the Écluse beach. If you want to enjoy a quieter area, but don't want to stray too far, consider Saint-Enogat.
- The best value for money
You'll appreciate the calm of theHôtel Saint-Michel, even though it's right in the center of town, but without the inconvenience. The price is right for top-quality services. Click here to book this family-friendly hotel.
- The best view
The vintage decor of theHotel Printania is anything but rococo. The furnishings are of the highest quality, as is the service and attention to detail. The highlight is the superb view over Dinard Bay! A great address to book here.
- The most luxurious
Looking for a luxury address in Dinard? Head for the Castelbrac, which also boasts superb sea views. Top-of-the-range facilities, spa, solarium, outdoor swimming corridor: everything is designed to immerse holidaymakers in a 100% Zen atmosphere. Click here to reserve this beautiful Dinard address.
And for those who prefer the great outdoors, discover the best campsites in Brittany! Camping du Port Blanc and Domaine du Bois d'Amour, for example, are both highly rated by travelers.
What to do in Dinard when it rains?
It's a well-known fact that it can rain in Brittany... in any season. But you don't have to curl up in your hotel bed, as there are plenty of great ideas for rainy-day outings in Dinard. Among them, we recommend AntikCostume, where you can discover the evolution of civil and military costume from the Revolution to the 1st Empire. You can admire historical objects, weapons and period documents.
Darn, you've hardly opened the shutters when it starts raining! Don't panic, we're off to the Halles to stock up on fresh local produce at the farmers' market. If the Villa Les Roches Brunes is hosting an exhibition during your stay in Brittany, take the opportunity to admire it on that rainy day too!
Then take advantage of the bad weather to pamper yourself. AtEmeria Dinard Hôtel Thalasso & Spa, discover thalasso treatments designed for your well-being: that's what vacations are all about!
If the rain persists after this moment of relaxation, treat yourself to a tasty snack at the Darling or a Breton crêperie, then end the day with a little shopping. With a good umbrella, it's easy to slip through the raindrops, from small boutiques to designer workshops.
What to do in Dinard with your family
Dinard is the perfect destination for a family vacation in summer. An ideal beach destination in France, the small seaside resort allows families to enjoy the peace and quiet of the coast, without burning up under the scorching sun. The adorable little striped canopies on the Plage de l'Écluse also provide protection on hot days.
A family vacation in Dinard also includes a picnic in Port-Breton Park. The animals and playgrounds will delight the children, and the whole family will enjoy the magnificent green and exotic setting.
We also invite you to try your hand at fishing with your children. It's a great way to have fun, while discovering an activity focused on biodiversity. Breathe in the fresh Breton iodine air and enjoy a day in the fresh air with your family. In the same spirit, we invite you to explore the area by bike. Whether it's the town of Dinard, its narrow streets, its seafront or the surrounding villages, you're in for a treat! TheTourist Office will be happy to advise you on the best cycling tours for the whole family.
Tired of pedaling? Give your children a break with a boat trip. The whole family can sit back and admire the surrounding scenery. There are also excursions to observe the bottlenose dolphins near Cancale. It's magical!
The region is magnificent: don't stop at Dinard! Discover the 17 must-sees in Brittany, where towns, villages and coastlines everywhere are pure enchantment. In particular, we recommend a visit to the beautiful town of Saint-Malo, whose port, ramparts and other vestiges of the past are absolutely superb. The nearby town of Dinan is also well worth a visit. Finish off with a visit to the pretty, colorful half-timbered houses of Saint-Brieuc, and you're done!
Tempted? Take a look at our train fares now and book your trip now!
